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PARSONS -- On Monday, Gov. Jim Justice released a letter he is sending to the Walgreens corporation regarding the scheduled closing of the Parsons Walgreen store and pharmacy next month.
Officials said last week that the Walgreens store and pharmacy in Parsons will close its doors for good on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Newly sworn-in Parsons Mayor Bruce Kolsun contacted Justice and other state officials, asking them to help with the situation.
Justice's letter is addressed to Tracey Brown, executive vice president and president, Walgreens Retail and Chief Customer Office, at the corporate headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois.
The letter was sent Monday "in an effort to keep the Parsons' location open," Justice's press secretary, C.J. Harvey, said to The Inter-Mountain.
The letter is printed below in its entirety:
"Dear Ms. Brown, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you with great concern regarding the recent announcement of the closure of the Walgreens store located in Parsons, West Virginia.
"Upon learning about this closure, I have been contacted by Mayor Bruce Kolsun of Parsons,
who expressed deep distress over the impact this closure will have on the community and the
surrounding areas. As Mayor Kolsun articulated, the closure of this Walgreens store will have
devastating effects on the local economy and significantly impact the accessibility of essential
services for the residents, particularly the elderly and those dependent on this establishment for
their pharmaceutical needs.
"Furthermore, Mayor Kolsun informed me that the manager of the Parsons Walgreens indicated a
lack of information regarding the reasons for the closure, stating they were unaware of the
decision until recently. This sudden closure not only creates uncertainty but also leaves the
community with a void in access to vital products and services, including pharmaceuticals and
other essential items that are not readily available elsewhere in the vicinity.
"Furthermore, as we discuss this closure, I must bring to your attention the significant
development taking place in the vicinity. The construction of Corridor H (U.S. Route 48), a
crucial 4-lane highway, is underway. This major infrastructure project will connect Parsons to its
first 4-lane highway, bringing in a new era of enhanced connectivity and growth for the region.
State Capitol | 1900 Kanawha Blvd., East, Charleston, WV 25305 | (304) 558-2000
"The introduction of this new infrastructure emphasizes the evolving potential of Parsons and the
surrounding areas. It underscores the necessity for consistent and reliable services to support the
expected growth and to meet the needs of the communities along this developing corridor.
"It deeply concerns me that amidst these promising developments, the decision to close the
Parsons Walgreens was made. West Virginia does not view favorably the actions of major
corporations cherry-picking the locations they wish to serve and subsequently leaving smaller
communities without essential services. The closure of this crucial establishment seems
counterintuitive to the progress and potential that the region is poised to experience.
"Understanding the integral role that Walgreens plays in providing essential services to the
residents of Parsons and the surrounding communities, I respectfully urge you to reconsider the
decision to close the Parsons location. Preserving access to pharmaceuticals, especially for
vulnerable populations, is crucial, and maintaining a national chain pharmacy in this area would
significantly alleviate the hardships that closure would impose.
"I kindly request your prompt attention and consideration of this matter. Your support in finding a
solution that ensures continued access to essential services for the residents of Parsons and the
surrounding regions would be immensely appreciated.
"Thank you for your time and attention to this pressing concern. I look forward to your response
and hope for a favorable resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the affected communities.
Sincerely, James C. Justice, II, Governor, State of West Virginia."